Nigerians in India Raise Alarm Over Profiling, Arrests and Visa Challenges
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Nigerians living in India have expressed growing concern over alleged racial profiling, police harassment and tightening immigration measures, warning that conditions for many in the Asian country are becoming increasingly difficult.
Students and business operators claim they are frequently targeted by law enforcement, with reports of arrests linked to visa status, denial of accommodation and disruption of Nigerian-owned businesses. Some residents also alleged cases of intimidation and physical harassment, insisting that complaints to authorities have not led to meaningful action.
The development has sparked reactions from student groups in Nigeria, with the National Association of Nigerian Students staging a protest in Abuja to demand urgent government intervention. The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to address what it described as inhumane treatment of Nigerians abroad.
Many affected students cited visa-related challenges as a major concern, particularly high renewal fees and short renewal cycles. Some claimed Nigerians are required to pay significantly more than other African nationals, with little prior disclosure of these conditions before arriving in India.
Reports also indicate that immigration enforcement has intensified, with authorities allegedly tracking individuals whose visas have expired, leading to arrests, detention and deportation. Available data shows a rise in deportations of Nigerians in recent years, partly linked to increased scrutiny over drug-related offences.
Diplomatic sources acknowledged that internal factors may also contribute to the situation, including allegations that some Nigerians provide information to law enforcement in exchange for incentives. However, former Nigerian envoys have called for immediate diplomatic engagement to investigate the claims and ensure the protection of law-abiding citizens.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission stated that it has not received formal complaints on the issue and noted that visa regulations remain the prerogative of host countries. The commission emphasised that Nigeria’s response is limited to diplomatic channels, including the principle of reciprocity, while urging Nigerians abroad to comply with local laws.
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